Top 10 Scenic Spots in Devon to Explore With Your Ventura Camper

Rolling countryside, dramatic coastline and charming villages… Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Devon has it all, and offers a real paradise for UK van life enthusiasts whether they’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway. Travelling in a handcrafted Ventura campervan increases the freedom, allowing you to enjoy premium comfort while explore Devon’s hidden gems at your own pace.

Places to visit in Devon in my campervan

In this edition of our blog, we’ll suggest our choice of the top 10 scenic camping spots in Devon, with each of them boasting spectacular views, activities close by and convenient campervan access.

Start Point, South Devon

Situated at the southernmost tip of Devon, the stunning Start Point is known for its picturesque lighthouse, dramatic cliffs and for being one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English coast. Parking up at Start Point car park (TQ7 2ET) in your Ventura Camper here gives you immediate access to coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, where you can explore hidden coves and beaches such as the beautiful and secluded Mattiscombe Sands.

The Grade II listed Start Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1836, is an absolute must-see and there are guided tours available during certain months. For those who love wildlife, this area is also home to grey seals, which can often be seen bobbing about in the sea, and you may even spot dolphins, frequent passing marine visitors.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor (which straddles Devon and Somerset) is the perfect destination for campervanners who love to travel through a blend of woodland, moorland and rugged coastline. Parking up at one of the many campsites ensures stunning panoramic views of the rolling hills and deep valleys in this astounding area – and there are endless hiking trails to enjoy, from coastal paths to wooded valleys. Exmoor is also famous for its Dark Sky status (ie. there is minimal light pollution), making it ideal for stargazing.

Squeezing over into Somerset for a moment, the nearby village of Dunster boasts a fantastic ancient castle on a wooded hill while, back in Devon, the charming town of Lynton is a scenic spot for a quick visit. If you fancy a charming change in travelling pace, check out the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, an 862-foot high water-powered funicular – the highest & steepest totally water powered railway in the world!

Dartmoor National Park

One of the most iconic landscapes in Devon, Dartmoor is known for its ancient granite tors, sprawling moors and rich history. This is also the region which inspired Conan-Doyle’s legendary Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of The Baskervilles – so you’re also on fantastic literary territory. Dartmoor is perfect for a visit in your campervan, and the area’s campsites offer great facilities plus easy access to walking trails. Dartmoor is full of intriguing sites including some mysterious stone circles, the historic Dartmoor Prison Museum and the picturesque village Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

Bigbury-on-Sea

Located in the South Hams district, Bigbury-on-Sea is famous for its golden beach and for the unique Burgh Island, easily accessible by foot during low tide or via the sea tractor when the tide is in. The campsite at Bigbury itself is perfect for parking your campervans and spending some time enjoying seaside views. The whole area is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, with surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking on offer. For a touch of history, Burgh Island is home to a stunning Art Deco hotel and classic beach house which inspired some of Agatha Christie’s famous mystery novels (And Then There Were None and Evil Under The Sun).

Saunton Sands

The sweeping, three-and-a-half-mile beach of Saunton Sands is a favourite spot for surfers and families alike. The sandy dunes, known as the Braunton Burrows, are part of a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, offering great nature walks and fantastic natural views. There are plenty of campervan-friendly sites nearby, so you’ll easily have access to the beach and its excellent surf. Interestingly, Saunton Sands were used as a training area for the D-Day landings towards the end of the Second World War, and it’s possible to encounter remains from the exercise during your walks. The Tarka Trail, inspired by Henry Williamson’s much-loved1927 novel Tarka the Otter, is a scenic walking and cycling route accessible from Saunton Sands, making this place a great base for active visitors.

Salcombe

The town of Salcombe is one of the most picturesque locations in the south of Devon, nestled in a sheltered bay with turquoise waters and bustling harbours, and with nearby beaches such as South Sands and North Sands to explore. There are various campsites nearby where you can park up and get a stunning view of the estuary and surrounding hills. Salcombe is a water sports paradise, with great opportunities for sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the town itself features independent shops and seafood restaurants. Salcombe also offers easy access to the South West Coast Path, which runs along the cliffs and offers dramatic sea views.

Woolacombe Bay

Yet another surfer’s haven in the Devon area, Woolacombe Bay showcases miles of sandy beach and impressive Atlantic waves. Aside from surfing, it’s the ideal spot for long beach walks in picturesque surrounds, and is relatively close to other scenic locations like Mortehoe, where you can explore dramatic cliffs and smuggler coves hidden in the hillsides. If you’re looking for a slightly more urban day-trip, consider visiting Ilfracombe – a quirky seaside town with art galleries, cafes, and a stunning coastal path.

Clovelly

This unique fishing village perches on the cliffs of the North Devon coast and offers stunning views across Bideford Bay as well as a glimpse into the county’s past. It’s also incredibly pretty and offers plenty of photo opportunity – no wonder it was voted Britain’s Most ‘Instagrammable’ Village back in 2020. While there you can explore the Clovelly Court Gardens, and drop in to the Clovelly Visitor Centre which provides a fascinating insight into the village’s history. There is an entrance fee payable to visit Clovelly, which covers parking and admission, information film showing and two museums in the village.

Sidmouth

Sidmouth, on the Jurassic Coast, is a charming seaside town known for red cliffs and Regency-era architecture. Visit the beautiful Connaught Gardens, relax on the pebbly beach or take a stroll along the esplanade – and don’t forget to visit the charming Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, a popular attraction for families. There are several coastal campsites with scenic views over the town and coastline, so you can park up and enjoy the perfect base from which to explore the area.

Lundy Island (via Bideford)

While you can’t take your campervan all the way to Lundy Island, parking up at Bideford is possible, and serves as the perfect base for a trip to this remote island off the Devon coast. You can explore its rugged landscape, visit the 13th-century Marisco Castle and enjoy birdwatching, with puffins and seals often spotted around the island. There are spectacular views everywhere you look.

Travelling around picturesque spots in Devon in your Ventura camper allows you to immerse yourself fully in the region’s stunning natural beauty, quaint towns and dramatic coastlines. Whether you’re exploring the rugged cliffs in the north, the sandy shores or the untamed wilderness of Dartmoor, a Ventura campervan supports you as you experience the best of the region at your own pace. Looking for your next camper? Check out our range of campervans for sale in Devon. Safe travels!